Launch of an Appeal for Funds to establish a Monastery in Banknock Scotland
Ajahn Sudhiro invites us to ‘live in the Dhamma’ whoever and wherever we are.
Living in the Dhamma is a way of life based on the qualities of loving kindness, generosity, wisdom and skilful conduct that can inform every aspect of our daily lives.
This can lead to a greater sense of hope, purpose and fulfilment in the global chaos that surrounds us.
The BMSUK feel that with all the uncertainties that exist in the world it is of paramount importance for more people to access ways to absorb the balancing qualities of loving kindness and compassion for self and others and take this experience back to everyday life.
Working with young people is the focus that we have identified. In a time when many live in fear for the future, struggle with their mental health and are disconnected from a sense of purpose and belonging, we feel that Ajahn Sudhiro's gentle and precise teaching approach would be a helpful support to evolving young lives.
We have identified the Central Belt in Scotland as an ideal place to establish a monastery. This area has relatively easy access to the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Perth and other large towns with a range of universities and colleges.
An ideal property has been found in Banknock near Stirling, set in three acres, that has all the space and facilities required for a monastery. It would enable Ajahn Sudhiro to be available to share his approach to Dhamma teaching. Along with other visiting monks, nuns and lay teachers, it would provide a base for groups and individuals to stay and enable him to visit groups all over the UK.
A further opportunity is for university students and lecturers from Thailand to visit and share their experience of the value of living in the Dhamma with students from Britain.
If this project is successful, it would mark the first Monastery in the Dhammayut Thai Forest tradition in Scotland.
To make this very significant opportunity happen, that will be of benefit to self and others, we need your support.
The BMSUK are launching an international appeal for financial pledges and donations to begin the process of buying a suitable property. This appeal will connect with the generosity of people who know and appreciate Ajahn Sudhiro’s work and way of teaching the Dhamma. In this way we hope to make an offer for a suitable property. One-off donations, pledges for standing orders and interest free loans are welcome. Please let us know if you have ideas for fundraising or know of any sympathetic funding sources.
In order for the BMS to demonstrate it has sufficient funds to apply for a mortgage for a property, we would like to set up a register of donation pledges.
To ensure that donations intended for Buddha Metta Society’s pilgrimages and Luangpoh Sudhiro’s other projects are kept separate; we have opened a dedicated bank account for donations intended for the establishment of the UK monastery. Please only use the bank details below for donations intended for the setup of the proposed UK monastery, citing your name as the reference.
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can maximise your donation at no additional cost to you by completing a gift aid form. This will enable us to claim 25p of Gift Aid from HM Revenue and Customs for every £1 that you donate.